Ball State University
Central Michigan
Cardinals Open 50th Season in MAC While Continuing Their 100th Year of Football
September 19, 2024 | Football
| Ball State (1-1, 0-0 MAC) at Central Michigan (1-2, 0-0 MAC) | |
| Game 3 - at Central Michigan | Saturday, Sept. 21 at 1:00 p.m. Live Stats | ESPN+ |
| Game Notes and Media Info | Ball State | Central Michigan | MAC | Media Center |
| All-Century Team Voting and 100th Season BallStateSports.com/100 |
All-Century Team sponsored by Gainbridge | 100th Season Video | 100 Yards of History | Ball State Celebrates 100th Season | 2024 Record Book |
| Social Media | X (Twitter)Â | Instagram | Facebook #1AAT x #WeFly x #Team100 |
| Next Home Game Tickets and Gameday Info |
Saturday, Oct. 5 vs. Western Michigan Tix: Cardinals vs. Broncos | Tailgate Parking Tix | Gameday A-to-Z Guide | 2024 Yearbook | Premium Seating & Enhanced Concessions | Camera Policy | Parking Map | Tickets & Seating Map | Season Tickets |
MUNCIE, Ind. – The 100th season of Ball State football continues this week while opening play in the Mid-American Conference at Central Michigan. Since joining the MAC in 1973 and playing its first MAC football season in 1975, Ball State plays its 50th MAC-opener on Saturday against the Chippewas.
** Ball State enters the contest at 1-1 following a lopsided defeat at No. 10-ranked Miami, in a game delayed for 2:20 due to lightning storms in the area.
** The Cardinals hope to win their MAC opener for the first time since 2019 when they beat Northern Illinois, 27-20, in DeKalb. Even in their MAC championship season in 2020, Ball State fell at Miami (Ohio) in its MAC opener before finishing 5-1 in the league. The Cardinals fell to Toledo in 2021, and to Western Michigan each of the last two seasons.
** The 100th anniversary of Ball State's first season in 1924 coincides with the 100th season on the field, given that the Cardinals didn't field a team in 1943 due to World War II. Season-long celebrations of the 100th season will be displayed at Scheumann Stadium this season. Similarly, it is the program's 50th season in the MAC -- formally joining the league in 1973 and playing its first football games in 1975.
** In a game without many bright spots last week against the powerhouse Hurricanes, transfer running back Braedon Sloan emerged as the Cardinals' top rusher (5 carries, 13 yards) and receiver (4 catches, 41 yards). Tight end Tanner Koziol was targeted eight times, hauling in five passes for 39 yards. Kadin Semonza finished the contest 16-of-26 passing, with one interception and 111 yards.
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WHAT A WIN MEANS:
** The Cardinals will win their MAC opener for the first time since 2019 vs. Northern Illinois.
** Ball State will defeat Central Michigan for the third straight season, earning their longest streak against the Chippewas since a five-game streak from 2010-14.
** The fifth winningest coach in Ball State football history, Mike Neu will capture his 39th victory as head coach of his alma mater to move within one victory of tying Dwight Wallace (40) with the fourth-most wins in Cardinals history.
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BY THE NUMBERS:
6 - Ball State has won six MAC titles during 49 previous years of play. The Cardinals opened play in 1975 and won their first title in 1976.
100 - The 100th year of Ball State football coincides with the 100th anniversary of its first season in 1924. The all-time record: 477-457-32.
150 -Â Counting 95 games as head coach, Cardinals head coach Mike Neu boasts 150 career games as either a Ball State player or coach.
176 -Â Ball State has averaged 176 rush yards over its past six outings against Central Michigan.
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